United Voices 2025 Kicks Off with Inspiring Youth Mentor Sessions

On September 21st, the United Voices 2025 Movement officially launched its first workshop sessions — and what an inspiring start it was! Nearly 100 students from across Brazil, Morocco, Syria, Egypt, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and beyond came together online to learn, share, and reflect on what belonging in everyday school life really means.

Session 1: My Story, My School, Our Voice with Mariana

Our first youth mentor, Mariana Soares Caruso de Carvalho from Brazil, led the students through an engaging exploration of how school traditions, colors, and mascots can shape a sense of identity and belonging.

• Students shared their school colors and discussed how each color connects to feelings of inclusion.

• They reflected on mascots — from flamingos to bears — and how these symbols unite students and represent collective identity.

• Mariana reminded everyone that belonging doesn’t just happen; it’s something we create together.

Her session left participants thinking about how small traditions and everyday practices in schools can create an environment where every student feels valued and seen.

Session 2: AI for Awareness with Youssef

Next, Youssef Afia from Egypt, a computer science student specializing in AI, introduced students to the exciting and sometimes challenging world of artificial intelligence. Through interactive activities, he asked: How could AI make schools more inclusive by 2035? Students brainstormed creative possibilities such as:

• AI translators to remove language barriers

• Tools to flag early signs of isolation

• Personalized suggestions for clubs and study groups

• AI-generated posters and videos spreading kindness campaigns

Youssef emphasized that AI is not just about technology — it’s about how responsibly we use it to make schools and communities more inclusive.

Congratulations to Our Mentors and Students

Both Mariana and Youssef delivered outstanding mentorship, guiding their peers with passion and creativity. And just as importantly, the students showed incredible engagement, sharing their voices and beginning their journey to create impactful Belonging in Action projects.

Takeaway for Everyone

The sessions proved that youth mentorship works. When young people lead, they inspire their peers to dream bigger, think deeper, and take meaningful action. United Voices isn’t just about raising awareness — it’s about building a global culture of belonging, together.